PFUJ seeks assistance for affected journalists

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has appealed to the international community, journalists, human rights organisations and overseas Pakistanis to generously support journalists affected by floods. In an appeal, the PFUJ said that the people of Pakistan, including a large number of journalists, have been hit by the worst-ever floods in the country’s history.

Devastating floods and torrential rains, have claimed lives of more than 1,683 people and injured about 8,487 persons while 6,374 villages have been destroyed, 81,187 cattle have perished, and more than 9,893,817 acres of cultivated land has been affected across the country.

Not only this, the entire population of the country is sustaining unbelievable and unbearable economic consequences. Non-availability of various commodities is also affecting livestock besides economically crippling a large population living in the flood-hit areas. Initial reports reveal that more than 20 million people have become homeless and economically ruined by floods. More than 6 million victims need aid for survival. The PFUJ pointed out that a female journalist, Asma Anwar of Nowshera died due to floods. Likewise, houses of more than 213 journalists were completely damaged in Jaffarabad, Naseerabad, Makran, Skardu, Gilgit, Baltistan, Khaplu, Mehdiabad, Kalam, Swat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bajaur, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Chitral, Karak, Tank, Dir, Takhtbai, Muzaffargarh, Mianwali, Liyyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Jang, Sargodha, Lodhran, Ghotki, Sukkur, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Nawabshah, Thatta, Jampur, Kairpur, and Sanghar.

The PFUJ has established a victims fund in Islamabad for which an account titled ‘Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Account No 25574 National Bank of Pakistan, Corporate Branch, Super Market, Islamabad’ has been opened. The PFUJ said that it was high time that the international community, journalists, human rights organisations came forward and generously supported the victims of the disastrous floods.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:8/16/2010